What is it?
“Seollal, or Lunar Year, is one of the most important holidays in Korea. During these days, families gather to pay tribute to their ancestors through rituals such as charye (food offerings). It is a time to share traditional meals, wear hanbok, and play traditional games such as yut nori.
In addition to being a cultural celebration, Seollal marks a significant period for the economy, especially in sectors such as trade and tourism, which are energized by preparations for the holiday.”
• Meaning and Origin:
Seollal has historical roots dating back to the Silla dynasty, influenced by Confucian practices that prioritize family values and respect for elders. During the Japanese occupation, this holiday survived as a symbol of national identity.
• Duration:
It is officially celebrated for three days (the day before, New Year's Day, and the day after), although preparation can extend for weeks. In 2025, the dates will be from January 28 to 30.
Customs:
In Seollal, Korean families celebrate with charye, a ritual in which food is offered to ancestors as a sign of respect. They also perform sebae, a bow to elders, who respond with blessings and gifts in red envelopes, called bokjumeoni. During the holiday, traditional dishes such as tteokguk (rice cake soup) are enjoyed and games such as yut nori, a popular board game in Korea, are played.
Main Rituals:
• Charye: Ancestral ceremony to honor ancestors with an altar of food.
• Sebae: Bowing to elders, who give money as a symbol of good fortune.
• Traditional games and activities: These include yut nori (popular board game) and kite flying.
• Preparation of tteokguk: A soup made with rice cakes that symbolizes renewal, longevity, and a new beginning
• Use of hanbok: The typical Korean dress, used as an expression of respect and wishes for prosperity for the coming year.
Business Opportunities between Korea and Central America
Seollal provides a strategic opportunity to consolidate trade relations between South Korea and Central America. Key sectors such as technology, finance, and exports experience significant dynamism during this holiday. Featured Central American products, such as coffee, textiles, and agricultural goods, have great potential for acceptance and growth in the Korean market.
1. Business Opportunities:
During Seollal, events are usually organized that highlight trade opportunities and market access. These include sectors such as:
• Finance: Share strategies to facilitate international trade.
• Marketing: Analyze trends that connect Korean consumers with Central American products.
• Exports: Promote the exchange of goods such as coffee, textiles, and agricultural products.
2. Lessons from Seollal for Central America
• Respect for roots: The Korean approach to preserving traditions reminds Central America of the importance of valuing its cultural identity.
• Innovation and future: Introspection and goal-setting can serve as a model for sustainable development in the region.
Relationship with CAMCOR:
Organizations like CAMCOR can leverage the symbolism of Seollal to foster bilateral activities such as roundtables on innovation or leadership seminars based on Korean cultural values. These initiatives can strengthen both business relations and cultural understanding.
The vision for the future:
Seollal represents more than the beginning of a new year; it is a demonstration of how tradition and innovation can be integrated to open new possibilities. For Central America, this Korean holiday inspires the search for strategic alliances that promote development and collaboration.
Events like Seollal offer a unique platform to strengthen relations between South Korea and Central America, fostering sustainable economic growth. The collaboration between Korean innovation and Central American resources constitutes an ideal scenario for strengthening commercial and cultural ties.
CAMCOR has also contributed to strengthening cultural traditions in South Korea, promoting a greater understanding of the Lunar New Year as a holiday that unites generations and encourages the preservation of family and social values. More information at: https://forms.kommo.com/rvcmrdd
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